Paul's Love Letter from Prison
A Study of Philippians - 11
This time we will look at chapter 4 and verses 8 and 9. Someone has called this section, "A paragraph of mental health in a spiritual sense." So, let's start our discovery of God's Word by reading these verses:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
As we look at these two important verses, I would like to suggest that Paul is asking his dear friends at Philippi to consider two things: First, A directive for THOUGHT; and second, a directive for PRACTICE. He says in verse 8, I want you to THINK about these things. One bible teacher says that, "the Bible teaches everywhere that we can control what we think as believers." We are all aware of the dangers of NEGATIVE thinking and the benefits of POSITIVE thinking.
In this statement of Paul's, the word "think" has to do with "reckoning", "counting-up" or "dwelling repeatedly" on the things he mentions. As we look at these things that Paul says we should fix our thoughts on, we shall see that they are six standards or elements of a strong and noble Christian character. Before we look at them, though, let's observe that all of these characteristics - true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, apply in their entirety to our glorious Saviour and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. They describe him perfectly, and as we keep our eyes and minds fixed on Him, we will discover the value of these virtues in OUR lives.
First then, we are to think about "WHATEVER IS TRUE", in contrast to that which is untrue, false or unreliable; rather our thoughts should be on all that is genuine and real. God's wonderful book, His written Word, the Bible, is the word of truth. In Psalm 119 verse 160, the Psalmist says of the Lord: "ALL your words are true, all your righteous laws are eternal." So, may we think today about all that is true, remembering that all that is not founded upon truth crumbles sooner or later.
Second, we are to think about "WHATEVER IS NOBLE". Perhaps a clearer description is "honest" or "honourable." This has to do with dignified or morally attractive conduct, the kind of behaviour which befits a true Christian.
The third thing on which we are to centre are thoughts is, "WHATEVER IS RIGHT", or whatever is "just." The Greek word used by Paul here is "DIKAIOUS", and this translated as "righteous". In practical terms this means that in whatever we do we are required to act in the fear of the Lord. In our work for our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, we have to maintain the highest standards. In another of his letters, Paul puts it this way: "Serve not with eye-service, as men- pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men."
We are discovering six things that the Christian should think about in Philippians chapter 4 verses 8 and 9. The fourth thing is "WHATEVER IS PURE." As far as the Christian believer is concerned, this virtue has to do with freedom from everything that is vulgar and sensual, selfish and mean. More especially, the thought is of chastity in thought and feeling, and in word and conduct. It has been said that "the enlightened child of God shrinks from moral defilement of every kind."
In His "Sermon on the Mount", the Lord Jesus taught His disciples, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." What a standard and what a blessing! The apostle James tells us in his letter that "the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all PURE." We live in a very impure world, and our constant prayer must be that we will have that wisdom from the Lord Himself that will help us to live pure lives to His glory.
The fifth thing on which we should centre our thinking, Paul says, is "WHATEVER IS LOVELY." This word speaks of that which is "pleasing", "attractive", "agreeable" or "amiable". Someone has said that "love is the crown of all graces", and loveliness of character is a reflection of Christ's beauty. In a world where there is so much ugliness of character and behaviour, the Christian is to stand out with a character that is attractive and pleasing.
Now for the sixth standard for positive thinking. We are to fix our minds on "WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE," or of good report. This has to do with that which is reputable or held in high regard in both what is said and what is done by the Christian believer. A good reputation among the people around us is a further evidence of Christian character. Paul said of Ananias, the man who helped him when he came to Christ, that he was "a devout man according to the law, having a GOOD REPORT of all the Jews..." That's Acts 22 verse 12. Such servants of God commend the gospel by the way they live.
So we have discovered together six standards upon which to fix our thinking: Whatever is TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE, LOVELY, and ADMIRABLE. Finally, Paul asks the Philippians to consider things that are of virtue or moral excellence, as well as those which are praiseworthy. We have seen Paul's "DIRECTIVE FOR THOUGHT", we see now his "DIRECTIVE FOR PRACTICE." He wants to encourage practical and productive living in these believers. His word to us today about the teaching of these verses is this: give these things deep consideration, and with all your heart put them into practice.
In verse 9 there is some straight speaking by Paul. He says: "Whatever you have learned, received or seen of me - DO!" The word in the original text is an imperative - something that MUST be done. Paul was a living example of his teaching which said "Right LIVING results from right THINKING". If a person thinks an evil thought for long enough, he will eventually do it. We need to guard our minds very carefully.
Paul's final encouragement in verse 9 is this: "And the God of peace will be with you." Here is a promise to those who keep there minds set on things above and who seek to live out lives which reflect the character of the Lord Jesus: "The God of peace WILL be with you." What a precious thought with which to finish this study.